Use discretion when tuning into radio poubelle, school-bus drivers told

School bus drivers in Quebec City are being asked to use "discretion" when tuninginto the controversial area radio stations known by their criticsas radio poubelle, or trash radio.

TheLaCapitale school board,responsible for28,000 students in 60 schools around Quebec City, issued instructions toits bus drivers to consider the effect on children when listening to talk radio that may contain "language or subject matter less suitable for their young age."

• After mosque attack, calls to clean up Quebec City's radio waves

There are several private talk radio stations in the Quebec Cityarea known for courting controversy and expressing conservative-populist views.

Following last week's shooting at a Quebec City mosque, which left six people dead, many criticized the radio stations for fostering a climate of suspicion towards the city's Muslim population.

• How Quebec City is mending the emotional scars left after the mosque attack

"A certain time comes when you have to call out the managers, the owners, the families of owners and above all the shareholders of the companies who create and sell hateful products," Quebec City MayorRgisLabeaumesaid last week in comments widely interpreted as being directed at the so-calledradio poubellestations.

Backtrack from initial position

The school board's instructions, released Tuesday, represent a loosening of its initial position. On Friday, the school board told drivers thatonly music stations would be allowed following a complaint from a parent.

That move was welcomed by some leaders in the Muslim community.ImamMohamedElHafidsaidthat certain radio stations in Quebec contributed to the climate of mistrust against immigrants and Muslims in particular.

But the school board's initial decision was criticized by radio personalities. CHOI Radio X morning host Dominic Maurais called the move an act of "censorship."

The LaCapitaleschool board declined an interview request.

• CBC'scomplete coverage of the Quebec City mosque shooting